Tested in a Tight Spot
When facing persecution or problems, examine your own heart and trust God to teach you something and develop an area of your life.
Warren Wiersbe preaches on Psalm 7, emphasizing David's response to persecution and problems by seeking God's deliverance and examining his own heart first. David acknowledges the importance of self-reflection and surrendering to God's will, even in the face of enemies. Wiersbe highlights the significance of allowing God to test our hearts and minds during times of trial, as a means of growth and development in our faith.
Text
Read Psalm 7:1-9
This psalm was born out of a sad experience David had with Cush, a Benjamite (see I Sam. 24-26). Cush was one of Saul's spies. And because of what David did, Cush caused the deaths of innocent men.
Whenever David had a problem with persecution or with people, he would run to God. "O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me" (v. 1). David's enemies were pursuing him. But the first thing he did was examine his own heart. "O Lord my God, if I have done this: if there is iniquity in my hands" (v. 3). He was saying, "If I have sinned, then let the enemy persecute me."
When we are persecuted or experiencing problems, the first thing we should do is examine our own hearts--not examine the enemy or even examine God by saying, "God, why did You allow such a thing to happen?" When you find yourself in a tight spot, look in the mirror and say, "Father, is there something in my life You are talking to me about? Is there some area in my life where I am not as yielded as I ought to be?"
You may ask, "What about my enemies? Who's going to take care of them?" That was David's question. The answer is that God will take care of the enemy. The wickedness of others will come to an end. Our righteous God will accomplish His purposes, but notice the end of verse 9: "For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds." Times of trial are not only times of testimony and trusting; they are also times of testing. When God tests you, He is showing you your own heart. You may say, "I know my own heart." But you don't. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9).
God has a purpose for trials and testings. Do you find yourself in a tight spot today? Don't view this as something to endure. Rather, consider it an opportunity for growth. Use this time to examine your heart. Perhaps God wants to teach you something and develop an area of your life. Yield yourself to Him and trust Him to do a good work in you.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to Psalm 7
- II. David's Experience with Cush
- III. David's Response to Persecution
- IV. Examine Your Own Heart
- V. God's Purpose in Trials and Testings
- 'VI. Conclusion: Opportunity for Growth'
Key Quotes
“Whenever David had a problem with persecution or with people, he would run to God.” — Warren Wiersbe
“For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.” — Warren Wiersbe
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” — Warren Wiersbe
Application Points
- When facing a tight spot, examine your own heart and ask God if there's something in your life He's trying to teach you.
- Consider trials and testings as opportunities for growth and development.
- Yield yourself to God and trust Him to do a good work in you.